Pictured are Teresa Capps-McGill and Doreen Scheulin working on the Jet bandsaws. The Laguna bandsaw in the foreground.
Lorraine Wilson
Among the many tools in the Robson Ranch Woodshop, three bandsaws stand out as essential equipment for a wide range of woodworking projects. Known for their versatility, bandsaws are power tools that use a continuous loop of toothed metal—called a “band”—that runs around two or more wheels. This design allows them to perform smooth, continuous cuts, making them especially useful for shaping curves and intricate designs.
Unlike other saws with fixed blades, the flexible band on a bandsaw offers woodworkers a steady and precise cutting motion. Bandsaws are commonly used for resawing—cutting wood into thinner boards—but they are also capable of ripping, crosscutting, and angled cuts.
The woodshop features two Jet-brand bandsaws. One is often adapted for fine-detail work. Recently, a 1/8-inch blade was installed on one Jet bandsaw for an intricate bandsaw box project. After the project was completed, the machine was returned to its standard 1/4-inch blade. Swapping blades is not a quick task. Each time a blade is changed, the machine must be carefully re-calibrated, a process that takes roughly an hour.
The second Jet bandsaw is fitted with a 1/2-inch blade, better suited for handling larger cuts and heavier materials.
The largest and most powerful bandsaw in the shop is the Laguna resaw bandsaw. Equipped with a 1-inch blade, it is specifically designed for resawing thick lumber into thinner boards. This process allows woodworkers to get multiple pieces from a single board, maximizing the use of materials. The Laguna also includes an important safety feature: a foot-activated brake system. This lets the operator stop the blade quickly without taking their hands off the wood. Pressing the brake also cuts power to the motor, bringing the blade to a complete stop and reducing the risk of accidents.
Bandsaws are a favorite among Robson Ranch Woodworkers. Whether cutting fine curves or slicing lumber down to size, these machines continue to be a vital part of daily work in the shop.